Drake University has postponed the 2020 Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom along with related special events and programs, including the Drake Road Races and Grand Blue Mile, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 111 edition of the event was scheduled for April 22-25 at Drake Stadium, while the Drake Road Races were scheduled for April 19 and the Grand Blue Mile April 21.

The health, safety, and wellbeing of our participants and fans, along with guidance from local and national health officials, have been at the forefront of the decision-making process. Recent directives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Iowa Department of Public Health, and City of Des Moines regarding large gatherings make it clear that postponing all Drake Relays events is necessary. We will continue to monitor the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation and will work with local, state, and national officials to reschedule the Drake Relays, Drake Road Races, and Grand Blue Mile at a date that ensures the health and wellbeing of participants and fans.

For our fabulous fans, athletes, and coaches who allow us to proclaim the Drake Relays as America's Athletic Classic, the Drake Relays staff is diligently working to identify a date this summer to host the 111th Drake Relays. We are communicating with local, national, and international entities to identify the dates and maintain our status as an elite track and field meet. Additional information on Drake Relays policies pertaining to ticketing, qualifying, entry fees, and more is available in the FAQ posted in this email.

To the registrants of our road races, we are working to create a contingency plan to ensure the events you have been training months for can still take place in 2020. We know there are many other races to choose from and we cannot thank you enough for your support. Additional information may be found in the FAQ included in this email.

The postponement of the Drake Relays also postpones all events associated with the Drake Relays, including the Beautiful Bulldog Contest, Downtown Pole Vault exhibition, Relays Hall of Fame Banquet, plus Drake student and alumni programming. Drake University and Relays leadership are working on contingency plans for these events and other campus activities associated with the Drake Relays.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we maneuver through these unprecedented times. Updates will be shared via email, on our websites, and through our social media channels as they are finalized. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to hosting you for safe and memorable finishes on the Blue Oval and in Downtown Des Moines later this year.

For more information, please read the FAQ below. For additional information on other Drake University resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit drake.edu/coronavirus.

• How does the current suspension of Iowa High School Athletics affect the qualification process for the Drake Relays?
  • Provided the spring sports season for Iowa high schools resumes, a revised high school qualification process will be announced after a new date is confirmed. The current qualification standards will remain the same across all other divisions.

 

• What is the status regarding the events that are included in the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver Level Permit?
  • We are working closely with the USATF and NACAC to ensure we retain our Silver Level permit as we continue to plan to provide an opportunity for elite athletes to compete on their journey to the Olympics.

 

• What happens if I already purchased tickets for the Drake Relays?
  • All ticket holders will be able to choose from one of four options:
    1. Tickets will be automatically valid for the rescheduled 2020 date.
    2. Ticket holders may transfer their tickets to the 2021 Drake Relays.
    3. Ticket holders may convert the value of their 2020 Drake Relays ticket purchase into a tax-deductible donation to the Baton Club.
    4. Following the announcement of the new date for the 2020 Drake Relays, refunds for the sale price of 2020 tickets will be available by request only. More information about refund policies will be available at that time.
  • For assistance, please contact the Drake Athletics Ticket Office at (515) 271-3647 or [email protected].

 

• What happens to Drake Relays participant entry fees already paid for track and field events (including elementary school, middle school, high school, college, university, masters, and all other levels)?
  • The Drake Relays will continue to handle entry fee payments as normal toward participation in the rescheduled event. Drake Relays staff will communicate directly with coaches and school staff who have submitted payment.

 

• Where can I find information about the Beautiful Bulldog Contest?
  • Please visit drake.edu/beautifulbulldog for updates on our plans for this event.

 

• What do I need to do to participate in the rescheduled Road Races or Grand Blue Mile if I am already registered?
  • Nothing, you will get extra time to train for the race and achieve your goals! Your race packet will be ready and waiting for you at the rescheduled Health & Fitness Expo.

 

• What if the 2020 Road Races and Grand Blue Mile are canceled?
  • Registrants will have one of two options:
  • Participate in a Virtual Run - Details on how to participate virtually and still receive your quarter-zip or T-shirt and finisher medal (if applicable) would be sent to all registrants.
  • Defer your registration(s) to 2021 - If you decide to not participate in the virtual run, your paid 2020 registration will be credited toward the 2021 event.
  • Following the announcement of the new date for the 2020 Drake Road Races and Grand Blue Mile, refunds for the registration fee will be available by request only. More information about refund policies will be available at that time.

 

• Is there a deadline relative to the rescheduled race day when I must decide to defer my entry to 2021?
  • Once the rescheduled dates are announced a deadline for registration changes will be established. If no action has been taken by this date, your registration will default to the rescheduled 2020 race.

 

• Will new entries be allowed for the rescheduled 2020 Drake Road Races and Grand Blue Mile?
  • Yes, with details to follow when appropriate.

Any additional questions can be directed to [email protected] or [email protected].